They had almost reached the limit of physical endurance, but they broke into a run to reach it.

The Panther and Ned were the first to push open a heavy swinging door, and they entered side by side.

It was dry within.

The solid board roof did not seem to be damaged at all, and the floor of hard, packed earth was as dry as a bone also.

At one end were a wide stone fireplace, cold long since, and a good chimney of mud and sticks.